Thistle Meaning and Symbolism (Warning & Bravery)

The thistle is synonymous with Scotland as this is their national flower, as well as an integral part of their history. For most other cultures, however, it commonly represents polar opposite meanings, with both positive and negative allusions attached to it.On the good side, it stands for protection, honor, chivalry, endurance, and survival. On the darker side, it is sometimes taken as a warning or as a symbol of poverty and suffering.Some thistle species are used for ornaments, while others can be used to treat certain ailments. One of the more popular thistle variants used in medicine is the milk thistle, which is a good antioxidant.Certain types of thistles that look like shrubs are sometimes taken as weeds and treated as such since gardeners fear they may harm the other plants and flowers. However, this is a misconception as some thistle varieties are actually beneficial for the ecosystem. Thistles that are native to the area are meant to provide food and shelter to bees, butterfl...